HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS OF INCREASING AND DECREASING ORIBI SUBPOPULATIONS IN EASTERN CAPE-PROVINCE, SOUTH-AFRICA

Oribi Ourebia ourebi subpopulations in Eastern Cape Province exhibit v arying degrees of vigour, with some subpopulations being stable or inc reasing, while others are fluctuating or decreasing. This study propos ed that suboptimal habitats may limit marginal oribi subpopulations an d an attempt was made to identify habitat variables that may correlate with the status of the subpopulations. The habitat characteristics of both an increasing and a decreasing oribi subpopulation were sampled seasonally. Results showed that the habitat of the increasing oribi su bpopulation was characterized by a greater percentage of grasses and l egumes, and a higher vertical foliage diversity. The habitat of the de creasing oribi subpopulation was characterized by a denser horizontal foliage density at intermediate heights, higher percentage of shrubs, and greater distances to areas with short grass. The decreasing oribi subpopulation was at a disadvantage because of decreased availability of foraging items, larger distances to areas of short grass (required for grazing), and was presumably more vulnerable to predation and poac hing. In view of the oribi's endangered status in Eastern Cape Provinc e, it may be desirable to relocate animals currently found in suboptim al habitats to more suitable habitats, and to encourage the reintroduc tion of oribis into suitable habitats only.